‘Washout’ Day in Forecast for Clearwater as Flood Watch Goes Up

This story was reported and written by Patch Associate Regional Editor Sherri Lonon.

Clearwater residents hoping for a wet-weather reprieve after Monday’s soaking aren’t likely to get one until Thursday at the earliest.

Forecasters are anticipating another “washout” of a day Tuesday and additional rain Wednesday, causing them to place the entire Tampa Bay area under a flood watching until 8 a.m. July 3.

"We’ve had considerable rainfall since Sunday (with) some areas exceeding 5 to 8 to 10 inches of rain,” explained Bryan Mroczka, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office. Adding to what’s already fallen, he says Tuesday “will be a washout.”

With heavy showers and thunderstorms likely into Wednesday, the weather service issued the flood watch that includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. It’s anticipated to remain in effect until 8 a.m. July 3.

“Some of the local rivers are getting high and the ground is getting saturated,” Mroczka said. “The water has nowhere to go.”

 It Will Get Better … Sort Of

While another conga line of showers is likely Tuesday, Mroczka says conditions should start to improve a bit Wednesday when the constant pelting from storms is expected to go away. Even so, the forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of storms Wednesday.

Worried about those Fourth of July fireworks shows and barbecues? Mroczka says rain’s likely July 4, but it shouldn’t be as bad as earlier in the week.

“Thursday will be the first day of the week that’s more typical for summer,” Mroczka said. Storms on Thursday are expected to be more scattered and they should “bubble up” at the normal time in the afternoon.

While an easing of rain is on the way, Mroczka says it’s going to get hot – very hot. The highs in the latter part of the week will climb into the low to mid-90s.

For a complete look at Clearwater weather, check out the National Weather Service online.

Have some great shots of the recent storms or rising waters? Know of an event cancellation? Be sure to let your neighbors know by posting on the Clearwater Patch boards!